Spotlight On: Arlington Walker and Road Runner Ellen Williams
In the race for Washington area runners and walkers, there's a new contender on the scene, thanks to Ellen Williams, the subject of this month's "Spotlight On: Arlington Walkers," and her partners at the Arlington Road Runners Club (ARRC). [This photo of the ARRC Board includes, from left to right, Nelda Strasser (President), Val Rodriguez (Vice President), Shari Pine (Secretary), and (bottom row) Ellen Williams (Treasurer)] 
In April 2007, Ellen joined Nelda Strasser, Shari Pine, and Val Rodriguez, all self-professed one-time "couch potatoes," to form the ARRC. Ellen, Nelda, Shari, and Val had met and served as coaches for another area marathon training program, which moved out of Arlington last year. Instead of giving up involvement in a training program, they turned the loss into an opportunity.
Arlington Road Runners is Born
To fill the void, the four women, three of whom live in Arlington, decided to create a new Arlington-based marathon training program. The program would be designed for everyone, from experienced marathoners to those just starting to walk toward a fit and healthy lifestyle.
With a motto, "Train for DC Races!," and a goal to bring runners and walkers into a program that offers measured training routes, running/walking tips, fitness seminars, and a friendly atmosphere, ARRC then developed a training schedule that would prepare members for either the Marine Corps Marathon or Baltimore Marathon, both in October. The four community-minded women intend to donate any Club profits towards funding fitness programs for children in the DC metro area.
The Club was officially founded in April of this year. On the first Saturday in May, the Arlington Road Runners met for the first time at Gateway Park in Rosslyn. The group has grown each week and now numbers more than 100 members. Registration for ARRC closes June 23rd, when marathon runners are at 10 miles and fitness walkers and runners are at close to an hour, to prevent injuries.
Ellen's Story
All of this happened quite quickly, but that's nothing unusual for Ellen Williams. A resident of Arlington for 18 years, Ellen started walking for fitness in 2003 and began to "lose weight and gain perspective." Exercise and healthy living became an important focus in her life and even changed her career. After 20 years working in project management, she now works from home on holistic health and nutrition.
According to Ellen, "I spent the first twenty-some years making money to live the life I wanted. I did that, and now I want to give back."
Ellen began her transformation four years ago as a fitness walker, which she defines as "walking at a pace faster than a stroll." By 2004, with the help of a friend who is a competitive runner, she began running. She started by running 30 seconds and walking five minutes, then running for one minute and walking for five, eventually (within two years) working up to her first marathon, which she ran in Las Vegas in December 2005.
Along the way, Ellen met Nelda, Shari, and Val. These friends became her inspiration because "knowing that people are waiting for you at 6:00 a.m. helps you get out of bed!" After running her marathon, Ellen gradually returned to fitness walking and began inspiring others with her fitness success story.
Inspiring Others
Individually, all four women had reached their goals around the same time and began reaching out to share their stories and proven practices with others. Their decision to form the ARRC was the logical next step to spread the word about fun and fitness.
Heeding the Road Runners' advice to "get up, get out, and get fit" has worked so far. Club membership now includes a range of men and women, beginners and intermediates, runners and walkers, 18-year-olds to "I don't have to tell you my age" -- and more are joining every day!
Arlington and Beyond
Gateway Park is the home base for each Saturday's route. Routes change weekly and schedules are posted on the ARRC website. Work-outs start at 7:00 a.m. through June 1st, when they'll begin at 6:00 a.m. through Labor Day, then it's back to 7:00 a.m. until Marathon day. The Club also posts its schedule for mid-week work-outs on-line.
Talking to Ellen about fitness walking is inspiration enough to give it a try. As an advocate for the fitness and environmental benefits of walking and running, Ellen also admits that she is "addicted" because walking allows time to herself and is "a meditation in itself."
When she's not training with the ARRC, Ellen's favorite routes are the Custis Trail, C&O Canal, and the Mount Vernon Trail to Arlington National Cemetery and the Netherlands Carillon. No matter which route she takes, Ellen is amazed that they all seem to lead her back home to Rosslyn. "Like the canals in Venice, " she says, "Arlington's pathways lead you back to where you started!"
Despite all of the miles she's logged on these many routes, Ellen continues to marvel at Arlington's beauty, its mix of greenscapes and urban trails, and its safe, well-patrolled, and well-maintained pathways. And this from a woman who hits the road in all weather!
Are you inspired yet? Then take Ellen's advice to "get a pair of sneakers and come join us!" To find out more, check out www.train4dc.com.
